AGP Executive Report

Oregon Drought Response: Oregon’s Emergency Management and Water Resources agencies rolled out a 2026 Water Conservation Communications Toolkit with ready-to-use messages and tips for communities facing drought. Oregon Military & Veterans: More than 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers returned to Salem after a year-long Horn of Africa deployment, with Gov. Tina Kotek and Sen. Christine Drazan attending the welcome home. Local Infrastructure & Property Impacts: Northeast Salem residents complained about damage and inadequate notice tied to underground fiber-optic cable work by Ezee Fiber. State Government & Elections: Oregon’s nonaffiliated candidates still face steep ballot access hurdles, with one Salem Saturday Market petitioner describing the signature requirements for the 6th Congressional District. Courts & Rights: A federal judge rejected class action status for University of Oregon beach volleyball and rowing Title IX claims, limiting how broadly the case can proceed. Public Safety Oversight: Eugene’s City Club forum will dig into how police oversight works and whether residents can trust the system. National Policy Watch: Lawmakers are pushing back on NSF plans to dismantle the ocean monitoring network that includes instruments off the Oregon coast.

Prison Oversight Fight: A class lawsuit in Marion County Circuit Court targets Oregon Department of Corrections solitary confinement, alleging “dangerous and degrading” conditions that violate the state constitution and disability rights law, with Oregon Justice Resource Center leading the case for five incarcerated plaintiffs. Election Integrity Pressure: The DOJ is pushing states to share voter registration data under a “confidential memorandum of understanding,” including names, addresses, and partial Social Security numbers; several states have refused or declined to sign. Voting Access & Mail: Oregon’s Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Ron Wyden are demanding the Postal Service rescind a rule they say suppresses mail-in voting. Public Safety & Health: Oregon governor approved drought declarations for five more counties, while heat advisories hit the region as western Oregon and Washington brace for dangerous temperatures. Military Homecoming: More than 200 Oregon National Guard Soldiers returned from a Horn of Africa deployment, with families and leaders welcoming the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team home in Salem. Local Infrastructure: Lane County Parks is upgrading the Summit Trail at Mount Pisgah, improving drainage and accessibility with periodic closures through July 1.

Mail-In Voting Fight: Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Jeff Merkley, joined by Oregon’s House members, demanded the Postal Service rescind a proposed rule that would limit mail-in ballots to federally registered voters and require states like Oregon to hand over detailed voter lists or risk losing delivery. Prison Oversight: A class lawsuit filed in Marion County alleges Oregon Department of Corrections officials subject incarcerated people to dangerous, degrading solitary confinement that violates the Oregon Constitution and disability rights law. AI Regulation Clash: As Trump tried to block state AI rules, Oregon and other states are moving ahead with more targeted laws aimed at how AI affects children, workers, and everyday life. Public Health & Safety: Heat alerts are in effect across parts of Oregon and the Portland metro as “lethal temperatures” and little overnight relief raise health risks. Environment & Wildlife: A federal plan to lethally remove up to 450,000 barred owls across Washington, Oregon, and California is headed to court scrutiny in Portland, with animal rights groups saying killings may already be underway. Local Government & Community: Troutdale opened Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park with an Oregon Lottery-funded grant, adding a new public space for walking, cycling, and picnicking.

AI & States: After Trump urged states to hold off on AI rules, legislatures are moving anyway—targeting how chatbots interact with children, how employers use AI, and what developers must do to prevent AI harm. Oregon Governance: Gov. Tina Kotek approved drought declarations for five more counties, bringing Oregon to 17 under drought orders and unlocking state mitigation and recovery help. Elections & Voting Rights: As federal voting-rights protections are weakened, states are stepping in with their own election safeguards, including limits on discrimination and election-map changes. Immigration Enforcement & Polling: DHS responded to a letter from nine secretaries of state, saying there’s “no reason” for ICE personnel at polling places—while still reserving investigative roles. Protest Rights in Oregon: Eugene-area students proposed an Oregon Peaceful Assembly Protection and Public Safety Act, aiming for state guidelines, funding options, and public transparency reports on protest management. Energy & Water: Oregon’s first floating solar array is nearing operation, expected to cut bills for about 60 homes and save 1.5 million gallons of water yearly. Local Libraries: Pendleton Public Library is hiring a teen summer intern funded by an Oregon State Library grant to expand children’s programming and circulation. Wildfire Workforce: A new cohort of tribal entry-level firefighters and ecological restoration workers graduated in southern Oregon, blending traditional and modern methods to reduce wildfire risk.

Mail-In Voting Fight: Oregon U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, plus House members, demanded the Postal Service rescind a proposed rule that would limit mail ballots to federally registered voters and require states to hand over detailed voter lists. Drought Response: Gov. Tina Kotek approved drought declarations for Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake, and Malheur counties, bringing 17 Oregon counties under drought status and unlocking state mitigation and recovery help. Wildlife Policy: A federal plan to kill about 450,000 barred owls across the West Coast appears to be moving forward while a Portland judge is expected to rule later this year. Coast & Science: The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle ocean research instruments has stunned OSU and Newport-area scientists, raising fears of political review of ongoing data collection. Public Health: Forest Grove and Hillsboro schools report near-universal MMR coverage, meeting herd-immunity targets even as measles cases rise statewide. Local Safety: Yamhill County’s burn ban starts June 16, restricting outdoor burning and warning residents about wildfire risk.

College Sports & Courts: Oregon athletes’ Title IX class-action bid at the University of Oregon hit a setback as a federal judge denied class certification for beach volleyball and club rowing, with athletes seeking a 9th Circuit appeal. Higher Ed Governance: Oregon’s Ethics Commission opened a full investigation into former Portland Community College president Adrien Bennings over potential conflicts of interest tied to a trademarked slogan used while she led the school. State Policy & Public Safety: A new Oregon law now requires a $20 annual Waterway Access Permit for most non-motorized boats under 10 feet, with regulators clarifying that tied inner tubes don’t trigger fines. Local Government: Redmond’s automated red-light and speed cameras moved from warnings to citations starting June 15, after recording thousands of potential violations. Criminal Justice: A Springfield woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months in federal prison for $27,500+ in unemployment fraud, including using others’ identities to divert benefits. First Amendment & Activism: A Bend drag performer, Pattie Gonia, is fighting back against Patagonia’s trademark lawsuit, arguing the case targets climate activism. Sports & Oregon Spotlight: NCAA Outdoor Track in Eugene featured Oregon’s Simeon Birnbaum and a busy final-day schedule as the Ducks chased scoring chances. Transportation: McKenzie Pass reopens June 15 after winter closure, with reminders about cyclists, pedestrians, and the 35-foot vehicle limit.

Oregon Ballot Fight: Initiative Petition 28 to ban hunting and fishing and expand animal-cruelty criminal penalties has cleared a major hurdle, submitting 126,000+ signatures—well above the 117,000 needed—though the Secretary of State will verify before it heads toward the November ballot. Immigration Oversight: Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter is pushing a federal bill to protect immigrant children in detention, including limits on detaining kids without a parent present or pressuring them to sign documents without an attorney. Behavioral Health Expansion: Gov. Tina Kotek announced a major jump in Oregon mental health and addiction treatment capacity, targeting 1,660 new licensed residential beds, with hundreds already slated to open soon. Elections Administration: Yamhill County will conduct an administrative hand count of selected May primary ballots June 15 to compare machine results and reassure voters. Public Safety: Oregon State Police reported a Salem-area officer-involved shooting after a 911 call involving a woman; the injured suspect is in stable condition and the officer is on administrative leave. Energy & Data Centers: Avista paused processing a request tied to a proposed 500MW data center while it seeks broader, more coordinated planning with agencies and community input. Local Government/Environment: Portland & Western Railroad faces a federal complaint after a Corvallis bridge collapse dumped urea into the Marys River, with allegations the railroad hasn’t moved fast enough to restore service.

Tariff Refund Fight: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Edward Markey say the Trump administration still hasn’t refunded more than $145 billion in unlawful tariffs, pressing CBP to pay small businesses what the courts ordered. Immigration Enforcement Push: The Secure America Act signed by Trump boosts ICE funding and expands 287(g) agreements, drawing fresh alarm from mayors over transparency and due process. Oregon Tribal Jurisdiction: Gov. Tina Kotek approved the first step to return civil jurisdiction to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, pending federal approval. Metro Governance: Metro Council opened applications to fill a District 4 vacancy, with interviews planned and a new councilor to be seated in July. Public Safety & Schools: Oregon police are seeking a better school-district partnership after an investigation ended without charges. ICE Protest Sentencing: A Portland man was sentenced to 30 months for assaulting an ICE officer during a 2025 protest. Data Center Water Scrutiny: Amazon disclosed 2025 water use for its data centers, reigniting Oregon-area debates over transparency and environmental impacts. America 250 Snub: Oregon won’t participate in Trump’s Great American State Fair, citing cost and concerns about partisanship. College Sports Fallout: A Texas judge temporarily cleared Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, escalating legal pressure on sports enforcement. Local Fraud Case: A Springfield woman was sentenced to federal prison for unemployment fraud using others’ identities.

Behavioral Health Expansion: Gov. Tina Kotek announced Oregon is adding 1,660 licensed residential treatment beds, with 1,067 already open and 593 more slated to open over the next two and a half years, aiming to ease long-stretched mental health and addiction capacity. SpaceX IPO Scrutiny: State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner said she’s “deeply troubled” by fast-entry IPO rule changes and transparency limits tied to SpaceX, warning Oregon’s beneficiaries could face unnecessary volatility through passive index funds. Housing & Safety Administration: Todd Smith was named administrator of Oregon’s Building Codes Division, tasked with modernization and efficiency efforts tied to Gov. Kotek’s housing production priorities. Portland Traffic Enforcement: Portland reported 69,000 speed-camera citations in just over half a year, as the city plans to add more cameras. Data Center Water Debate: Amazon said its data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water worldwide in 2025, fueling Oregon-area concerns about power and water impacts. Public Safety/Justice: Oregon’s DOJ joined a multistate challenge to Trump administration federal contractor terms; separately, Salem police said an officer shot and injured a man at an encampment on Northeast Portland Road, with Oregon State Police leading the investigation. Local Governance: Echo voters recalled Mayor Chad Ray in a special election, with the council president stepping in during the transition.

College Sports & Courts: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play this fall after the NCAA ruled him ineligible for college sports wagering, setting up a fresh fight over how far NCAA authority can reach. Housing & Local Government: Hermiston is updating its municipal code to comply with Oregon’s middle-housing laws, including allowing triplexes, quadplexes, townhouses and cottage clusters in single-family zones. Public Safety: Multnomah County authorities arrested Dison Ruda, accused of murdering his girlfriend’s 2-year-old child; the state medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. State Policy: Gov. Tina Kotek expanded Oregon’s drought emergency to five more counties, bringing the total to 17. Federal Policy & Oregon: Oregon declined to participate in Trump’s “Great American State Fair,” citing cost and concerns about the event’s partisan direction. Elections & Access: The Elections Commission granted ballot access to candidates for Oregon’s 7th Congressional District. Environment & Land Use: A plan could triple logging in Oregon’s Blue Mountains national forests, raising new concerns about impacts on public lands.

Tribal Jurisdiction in Oregon: Gov. Tina Kotek signed a proclamation to return civil legal jurisdiction to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, undoing a 73-year federal shift; the U.S. Department of the Interior still must approve. Drought Response: Kotek declared a drought emergency covering Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake, and Malheur counties, with 17 of Oregon’s 36 counties now under drought status. State Government & Oversight: Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation will meet June 25-26 in Portland to consider National Register nominations and grant decisions. Elections & Voting Access: A Trump postal directive is being challenged in court, with Oregon’s secretary of state warning it could unlawfully disrupt mail voting. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Oregon City is discussing steps to update its tsunami alert system. Military & Jobs: The Army’s PaYS program is building Oregon partnerships to connect service members with civilian employers. Consumer Protection: Oregon-related scam warnings highlight fraud targeting injured workers, urging caution about “official” requests for payment.

College Sports & Courts: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play in 2026 despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility finding, with the NCAA vowing to appeal and warning the ruling could destabilize college sports’ integrity. Oregon Public Safety: University of Oregon officials evacuated Hayward Field after a bomb threat; authorities later gave an all-clear. Health & Community: Lane County officials updated Florence on a proposed medication-assisted treatment center, saying it has served the community since 1974 and helps people recover from opioid addiction. State Policy & Outdoors: A sweeping Oregon ballot initiative (IP 28) is advancing toward the November 2026 ballot, aiming to criminalize many hunting, fishing, ranching, and animal husbandry activities by removing key exemptions. Consumer Safety: A Salem man is in the ICU after a vape battery exploded in his pocket, causing third-degree burns. Energy Policy: A federal court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring a 5% safe harbor for wind and solar projects’ “beginning of construction.”

ODOT Leadership Shake-Up: Gov. Tina Kotek tapped chief of staff Chris Warner as interim ODOT director after a finalist withdrew, leaving the agency facing ongoing road-funding shortfalls. Tribal Sovereignty: Kotek signed a proclamation restoring sole civil jurisdiction to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, ending 73 years of shared authority (pending Interior approval). Housing Finance Stress: Portland’s Home Forward warned it’s nearing insolvency, citing a projected $35 million shortfall and more than 1,000 vacant units. Elections Watch (Lane County): Lane County will post final May primary results June 10 after voters fix signature issues on challenged ballots. Public Safety/Local Politics: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office turmoil continues as Sheriff Ty Rupert placed three staff on paid leave, including challenger James McLaughlin. Courts & AI: Oregon Supreme Court sanctioned litigants for AI-generated false citations and quotes in filings. Energy Policy: A D.C. court vacated the IRS “5% safe harbor” limits for wind and most solar, though an appeal could affect timing. Health & Consumer Protection: New York AG Letitia James joined a coalition securing $36.5M from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling. Child Marriage Map: A new map shows where child marriage remains legal after Oklahoma’s ban takes effect.

College Accountability: Maitripa College in Portland placed Buddhist studies president Yangsi Rinpoche on leave after sexual misconduct allegations from a former student and staffer; the school and Rinpoche deny the claims. State Budget & Tuition: Lane Community College’s budget committee debated a 2027 tuition increase amid long-term funding pressure and recent class cancellations. County Leadership: Benton County commissioners appointed Rick Crager as county administrator, making the interim CFO/assistant administrator the permanent top manager. Public Health: Benton County reported declining student vaccination rates and rising nonmedical exemptions, warning of outbreak risk. School Safety Oversight: Salem-Keizer families pushed for earlier intervention and clearer reporting after a focus group described bullying, threats, gang activity, and racial bias. Elections & Voting Integrity: DHS approved a plan to let states verify voter citizenship using federal databases and to monitor mail ballot flows for potential fraud patterns. Immigration Courts: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield won a court order vacating Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax. Local Government & Public Safety: Clackamas Fire Department and Oregon National Guard trained with federal and civilian partners for aviation rescue and water-rescue response. Sports Law Fallout: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play in 2026 via a temporary injunction, while the NCAA moved to appeal.

Clean Energy Court Win: A federal judge vacated a Trump-era IRS rule that made it harder for wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax credits, sending the policy back for reconsideration—an Oregon-relevant hit to the administration’s clean-energy slowdown. Public Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases are on pace to top the 2025 record, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people and outbreaks concentrated across dozens of states. Immigration & Work Visas: Another judge rejected Trump’s $100,000 H-1B application fee, calling it an unlawful tax—setting up more legal fights over immigration restrictions. Oregon Disaster Relief: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Oregon businesses, nonprofits, and residents hit by late-2025 storms in Clackamas, Lane, and Lincoln counties. Sports & Courts: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction against the NCAA, restoring his 2026 eligibility with a two-game suspension. Oregon Politics/Legacy: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, the Oregon Republican whose career ended amid sexual misconduct allegations, died at 93. First Amendment/Policing: A new federal bill would create a right to sue officers who prevent people from filming law enforcement.

Immigration Funding Showdown: The U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to fund ICE and related immigration enforcement for the rest of Trump’s term, after weeks of GOP infighting and concerns about a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for people wrongfully prosecuted. Civil Liberties at Stake: The Senate also let a key warrantless surveillance program (FISA Section 702) expire after Republicans joined Democrats to block an extension—raising fresh questions about spying on Americans. Oregon Federal-State Tension: In Astoria, local advocates and port officials are debating whether ICE used Port of Astoria property in a way that could violate Oregon’s sanctuary law. Oregon Political Legacy: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, a moderate Oregon Republican whose career ended amid sexual harassment allegations, died at 93. Global Flashpoint: Israel struck Iran after missile fire, escalating risks to ceasefire talks. Local Environment: On Oregon’s McKenzie River, a new restoration approach is taking shape. Energy & Tech Watch: New market coverage highlights growth in second-generation biofuels and thermoelectric generators.